Information Processing Apparatus and Control Method

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-032982 filed on Mar. 3, 2025, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.

There is technology to execute AI processing using cloud AI (Artificial Intelligence) built on the cloud (for example, see Japanese Patent No. 7559930). In order to use cloud AI for work, since there are obstacles such as the risk of information leakage and high cost, commercial use may be limited. For example, since considerable resources are required to run a heavy task (heavy-load processing) such as a large language model (LLM) on a local PC (Personal Computer), it is difficult to process the task on an operating PC.

However, even when text being generated is interrupted halfway through, since the large language model (LLM) can generate the rest of the text, the large language model (LLM) can be executed on plural PCs while taking over the processing. Therefore, there is a method of executing a heavy task on plural PCs while taking over processing to a PC where no work is being done due to the absence of a user among the plural PCs.

However, in a case where processing such as the large language model (LLM) is being executed on a PC where no work is being done due to the absence of a user, when the user comes back and starts working, there is a concern that processing may slow down due to insufficient resources for processing the user wants to perform because a heavy task such as the large language model (LLM) is being executed from the start until another PC takes over the task. For example, when the returning user starts using the PC by performing keyboard input or the like, since the transition to control for interrupting the heavy task such as the large language model (LLM) can be made only after the user touches the keyboard, processing slows down at the start of the work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object thereof to provide an information processing apparatus and a control method capable of reducing the impact on performance when locally executing heavy-load processing.

An information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a communication unit configured to perform data communication with a server through a communication network; a memory configured to temporarily store a program of a system; a processor configured to execute processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory; and a detection sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of a person in a predetermined detection range, wherein when the system becomes a standby state, the processor transmits a flag indicative of being on the standby state from the communication unit to the server through the communication network, when acquiring an execution request for specific processing from the server in response to transmitting the flag, the processor starts execution of the specific processing, and when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor while executing the specific processing, the processor stops the execution, and transmits, from the communication unit to the server through the communication network, an execution result before the stop and incomplete information indicating that the specific processing is incomplete.

The above information processing apparatus may be such that, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor while not executing the specific processing, the processor resets the flag.

The above information processing apparatus may also be such that, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor while executing the specific processing, the processor causes the system to return from the standby state after stopping the execution, and resets the flag.

The above information processing apparatus may further include a display unit configured to perform display based on processing of the system, wherein when causing the system to transition to the standby state, the processor turns off a screen of the display unit, and when causing the system to return from the standby state, the processor turns on the screen of the display unit.

The above information processing apparatus may further be such that, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor, the processor further determines whether or not a face of the person is facing a specific direction, when determining that the face of the person present in the detection range is not facing the specific direction, the processor transmits the flag to the server after causing the system to transition to the standby state, and when determining that the face of the person present in the detection range is turned in the specific direction while executing the specific processing, the processor causes the system to return from the standby state after stopping the execution.

The above information processing apparatus may further include a display unit configured to perform display based on processing of the system, wherein the specific direction is a direction to the information processing apparatus, when causing the system to transition to the standby state, the processor reduces the screen brightness of the display unit, when causing the system to return from the standby state, the processor restores the screen brightness of the display unit to screen brightness before being reduced.

Further, the above information processing apparatus may be such that the specific processing is relatively heavy-load processing and can be executed on a plurality of information processing apparatuses while taking over halfway processing in response to the execution request from the server.

Further, a control method for an information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is a control method for an information processing apparatus including: a communication unit configured to perform data communication with a server through a communication network; a memory configured to temporarily store a program of a system; a processor configured to execute processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory; and a detection sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of a person in a predetermined detection range, the control method including: a step of transmitting a flag indicative of being on standby from the communication unit to the server through the communication network when the system becomes a standby state; a step of starting execution of the specific processing when acquiring an execution request for specific processing from the server in response to transmitting the flag; a step of stopping the execution when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor while executing the specific processing; and a step of transmitting, from the communication unit to the server through the communication network, an execution result before the stop and incomplete information indicating that the specific processing is incomplete.

The above aspects of the present invention can reduce the impact on performance when locally executing heavy-load processing in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the overview of an information processing system according to one or more embodiments will be described.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 5 1 is a configuration diagram for describing the overview of the information processing system according to one or more embodiments. An information processing system SYS illustrated inincludes plural information processing apparatuses, and a cloud serverconnected to the plural information processing apparatusesthrough a communication network NW.

1 1 1 1 1 a b c The information processing apparatusesare, for example, local PCs (Personal Computers) within an organization (within a company). In this figure, three representative information processing apparatuses,, andare illustrated, but tens to hundreds of information processing apparatusesmay be provided according to the number of users (for example, employees).

1 1 1 110 5 A program for processing a heavy task such as a trained AI (Artificial Intelligence) model is distributed to the plural information processing apparatuses. Although the heavy task is not limited to processing using the AI model, it is assumed in one or more embodiments that an AI engine to execute processing using the AI model such as a large language model (LLM) is distributed in a manner available to each information processing apparatus. When a user is absent, each information processing apparatusmakes a transition to a standby state. The standby state is a state in which at least part of system processing is limited. For example, the standby state is a state in which at least the screen of a display unitis turned off (screen off), but a state in which the AI model is ready for use in response to a request from the cloud server.

7 7 1 7 1 5 7 (1) The cloud serveraccepts a request for a question to AI (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) from the client terminal. 5 1 1 5 1 1 (2) The cloud serverfinds an available information processing apparatusfrom among the plural information processing apparatuses. Specifically, the cloud serverextracts and selects an information processing apparatusin the standby state due to the absence of a user from among the plural information processing apparatuses. 5 1 1 7 1 5 a (3) The cloud servermakes a request to the AI model of the selected information processing apparatusin the standby state (for example, the information processing apparatus) for the question to the AI (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) accepted from the client terminal. The information processing apparatusthat receives the request responds to the cloud serverwith the execution result (for example, “YY”) of the AI model on the question (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”). 1 5 7 7 (4) Based on the response from the information processing apparatus, the cloud serversends back, to the client terminal, the execution result (for example, “YY”) of the AI model on the question to the AI (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) accepted from the client terminal. A client terminalis a terminal using the information processing system SYS, which is a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The client terminalmay also be an apparatus similar to the information processing apparatusesin the information processing system SYS, but it will be described as the client terminalto distinguish from the information processing apparatusesin the information processing system SYS. The overview of processing in the information processing system SYS will be described below.

2 FIG. Referring next to, a processing flow in the information processing system SYS will be described.

2 FIG. 101 7 5 103 (Step S) The client terminalsends, to the cloud server, a request for a question (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) to the AI. Then, the procedure proceeds to step S. 103 7 5 105 (Step S) When accepting, from the client terminal, the request for the question (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) to the AI, the cloud serverproceeds to step S. 105 5 1 1 5 1 1 1 5 5 1 1 105 5 107 1 105 5 105 (Step S) The cloud serverextracts an available information processing apparatusfrom among the plural information processing apparatusesconnected to the cloud serverin the information processing system SYS. The available information processing apparatusis an information processing apparatusthat is making the transition to the standby state due to the absence of a user as described above. When making the transition to the standby state, each information processing apparatusnotifies the cloud serverof the transition, and hence the cloud servercan extract the information processing apparatusin the standby state. When one or more available information processing apparatusesare extracted (step S: YES), the cloud serverproceeds to step S. Note that, when any available information processing apparatuscannot be extracted (step S: NO), the cloud serverperforms the process in step Sagain. 107 5 1 1 1 5 1 105 5 1 1 5 109 (Step S) The cloud serverselects an information processing apparatushighest in performance from among the available information processing apparatuses. For example, information about the performance of each information processing apparatusis prestored in a list on the cloud server, and when plural available information processing apparatusesare extracted in step S, the cloud serverrefers to the list to select an information processing apparatushighest in performance from among the available information processing apparatuses. Then, the cloud serverproceeds to step S. 109 5 1 107 7 111 (Step S) The cloud servertransmits, to the information processing apparatusselected in step S, the request for the question to the AI (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) accepted from the client terminal. Then, the procedure proceeds to step S. 111 1 1 113 (Step S) The information processing apparatusthat receives the request executes processing on the question (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) using the AI model. Then, the information processing apparatusproceeds to step S. 113 1 5 1 5 1 5 1 1 115 (Step S) The information processing apparatusresponds to the cloud serverwith the execution result of the processing using the AI model. Here, when the processing is completed, the information processing apparatusresponds to the cloud serverwith the completed execution result, while when the processing is interrupted halfway through, the information processing apparatusresponds to the cloud serverwith an execution result of halfway processing. Here, the case where the processing is interrupted halfway through is, for example, a case where the user comes back while the information processing apparatusis executing the processing, stops the processing, and causes the information processing apparatusto return from the standby state. Then, the procedure proceeds to step S. 115 5 1 117 (Step S) The cloud serveracquires the response from the information processing apparatus, and proceeds to step S. 117 5 1 117 5 103 5 1 1 105 109 1 (Step S) The cloud serverdetermines whether or not the response acquired from the information processing apparatusis the execution result of the completed processing. When determining that the response is an execution result of halfway processing (that is, that the processing is incomplete) (step S: NO), the cloud serverreturns to step S, and accepts the execution result of halfway processing as a request to the AI model. Then, the cloud serverextracts available information processing apparatuses, and sends the request to an information processing apparatushighest in performance (step Sto step S). Thus, the information processing apparatusthat receives the request takes over the halfway processing to execute the processing using the AI model. is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the information processing system according to one or more embodiments.

1 117 5 119 119 1 5 7 7 (Step S) Based on the response acquired from the information processing apparatus, the cloud serversends back, to the client terminal, the execution result of the AI model (for example, “YY”) on the question to the AI (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) accepted from the client terminal. 121 7 5 (Step S) The client terminalacquires and displays the execution result of the AI model (for example, “YY”) acquired from the cloud server. On the other hand, when determining that the response acquired from the information processing apparatusis the execution result of the completed processing (step S: YES), the cloud serverproceeds to step S.

1 Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatusthat executes processing using the AI model when making the transition to the standby state in the information processing system SYS will be described in detail.

3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the appearance of the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments.

1 1 10 20 15 10 20 15 10 15 20 10 20 3 FIG. The information processing apparatusis, for example, a laptop (clamshell) PC (Personal Computer). The information processing apparatusincludes a first chassis, a second chassis, and a hinge mechanism. The first chassisand the second chassisare joined by using the hinge mechanism. The first chassisis rotatable around an axis of rotation formed by the hinge mechanismrelative to the second chassis. An open angle by the rotation between the first chassisand the second chassisis denoted as “θ” in.

10 20 15 10 20 10 20 10 20 10 20 10 20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 10 20 10 20 10 20 10 20 c c c c a a a c c a b b d d The first chassisis also called A cover or a display chassis. The second chassisis also called C cover or a system chassis. In the following description, faces on which the hinge mechanismis provided among side faces of the first chassisand the second chassisare referred to as side facesand, respectively. Among the side faces of the first chassisand the second chassis, faces opposite to the side facesandare referred to as side facesand, respectively. In this figure, the direction from the side facetoward the side faceis referred to as “rear,” and the direction from the side facetoward the side faceis referred to as “front.” The rear right and the rear left are referred to as “right” and “left,” respectively. The left side faces of the first chassisand the second chassisare referred to as side facesand, respectively, and the right faces are referred to as side facesand, respectively. Further, a state where the first chassisand the second chassisoverlap each other and are completely closed (a state of open angle θ=0°) is referred to as a “closed state.” Surfaces of the first chassisand the second chassison the face-to-face sides in the closed state are referred to as respective “inner surfaces,” and surfaces opposite to the inner surfaces are referred to as “outer surfaces.” Further, a state opposite to the closed state, where the first chassisand the second chassisare open, is referred to as an “open state.”

1 10 10 20 20 10 20 1 1 15 3 FIG. a a The appearance of the information processing apparatusinillustrates an example of the open state. The open state is a state where the side faceof the first chassisand the side faceof the second chassisare separated. In the open state, the respective inner surfaces of the first chassisand the second chassisappear. The open state is one of states where a user uses the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatusis often used in a state where the open angle is typically about θ=100° to 130°. Note that the range of open angles θ to be the open state can be determined arbitrarily according to the range of angles rotatable by the hinge mechanism, or the like.

110 10 110 120 110 10 120 10 110 120 120 110 a The display unitis provided on the inner surface of the first chassis. The display unitis configured to include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and the like. Further, an imaging unitis provided in a peripheral area of the display uniton the inner surface of the first chassis. For example, the imaging unitis arranged on the side of the side facein the peripheral area of the display unit. Note that the position at which the imaging unitis arranged is just an example, and it may be elsewhere as long as the imaging unitcan be directed in a direction facing a display screen of the display unit.

120 110 1 120 120 1 In the open state, the imaging unitimages a predetermined imaging range in the direction to face the display screen of the display unit(that is, in front of the information processing apparatus). The predetermined imaging range is an angle-of-view range defined by an image sensor included in the imaging unitand an optical lens provided in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor. For example, the imaging unitcan capture an image including a person (user) present in front of (on the front side of) the information processing apparatus.

140 20 20 140 b Further, a power buttonis provided on the side faceof the second chassis. The power buttonis an operating element used by the user to give an instruction to power on or power off, make a transition from the standby state to a normal operating state, make a transition from the normal operating state to the standby state, or the like. The normal operating state is an operating state of a system capable of executing processing without being particularly limited, which corresponds, for example, to S0 state defined in the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specification.

151 153 20 151 153 110 Further, a keyboardand a touch padare provided on the inner surface of the second chassisas input devices to accept user operation input. Note that a touch sensor may also be provided as an input device instead of or in addition to the keyboardand the touch pad, or a mouse and an external keyboard may be connected. When the touch sensor is provided, an area corresponding to the display screen of the display unitmay be constructed as a touch panel for accepting operations. Further, a microphone used to input voice may be included in the input devices.

10 20 110 120 10 151 153 20 Note that, in the closed state where the first chassisand the second chassisare closed, the display unitand the imaging unitprovided on the inner surface of the first chassis, and the keyboardand the touch padprovided on the inner surface of the second chassisare covered with each other's chassis surfaces, and put in a state of being disabled from fulfilling the functions.

1 1 120 The information processing apparatusexecutes HPD (Human Presence Detection) processing to detect a person present in front of the information processing apparatusbased on a captured image captured by the imaging unit.

4 FIG. 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a person detection range of the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments. In the illustrated example, a detection range FoV (Field of View: detection viewing angle) in front of the information processing apparatusis a person-detectable range.

1 1 120 1 1 The detection range FoV corresponds to an imaging angle of view at which the information processing apparatusperforms imaging. For example, the information processing apparatusdetects a face area with a face captured therein and an angle of the face from a captured image captured by the imaging unit. For example, when a face area is detected from the captured image, the information processing apparatusdetermines that a person is present. Further, the information processing apparatusdetermines the orientation of the face based on the angle of the face detected from the captured image.

1 1 1 1 1 1 The information processing apparatuscontrols the operating state of the system of the information processing apparatusdepending on the presence or absence of a person by the HPD processing. For example, when a person is present in front of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatuscontrols the operating state to the normal operating state, while when no person is present in front of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatuscontrols the operating state to the standby state.

5 FIG. 5 FIG.(A) 5 FIG.(B) 5 FIG.(C) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 is a diagram for describing an overview of HPD processing of the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments. The information processing apparatusdetects a person present in front of the information processing apparatusby the HPD processing to control the operating state of the system of the information processing apparatusbased on the presence or absence of a person. For example, as illustrated in, when detecting a change from a state where no person is present in front of the information processing apparatus(Absence) to a state where a person is present (Presence) in the standby state, that is, when detecting that a person has approached the information processing apparatus(Approach), the information processing apparatusautomatically returns to the normal operating state. Further, as illustrated in, in a state where a person is present in front of the information processing apparatus(Presence) in the normal operating state, the information processing apparatuscontinues the normal operating state. Further, as illustrated in, when detecting a change from the state where the person is present in front of the information processing apparatus(Presence) to the state where no person is present (Absence), that is, when detecting that the person has left the information processing apparatus(Leave), the information processing apparatuscauses the system to make the transition to the standby state.

1 1 110 Further, in the HPD processing, the information processing apparatusdetermines the orientation of a face by detecting the angle of the face of a person present in front of the information processing apparatus, and when it can be determined that the person is not looking at the screen of the display unit, the screen brightness is reduced to save power. In the following, processing (Dimming processing) to reduce the screen brightness by this HPD processing is called “screen brightness reduction processing.”

Further, in the following, the original screen brightness before being reduced is called “standard brightness,” and the screen brightness reduced from the standard brightness is called “low brightness.” The low brightness is a brightness at least lower than the standard brightness. However, the lower the brightness, the more the effect of power saving will increase. For example, the low brightness may be about 0 to 10% of the standard brightness.

6 FIG. 1 1 110 120 1 1 110 120 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen brightness reduction processing according to one or more embodiments. For example, the information processing apparatusdetermines whether or not a face is facing a direction of the information processing apparatus(the direction of the display unitand the imaging unit) based on the angle of the face of a person (user) present in front of the information processing apparatus. Here, the orientation of the face is an orientation corresponding to the rotation angle of the face in the left-and-right direction or the up-and-down direction. In the following, a state where the face is facing the direction of the information processing apparatus(the direction of the display unitand the imaging unit) is assumed to be a state where the face is facing forward toward the information processing apparatus.

6 FIG.(A) 6 FIG.(B) 6 FIG.(A) 6 FIG.(B) 6 FIG.(B) 6 FIG.(A) 1 110 1 110 1 110 1 110 1 110 illustrates the state where the face is facing forward toward the information processing apparatus, and it can be determined that the person is looking at the screen of the display unit. Therefore, the information processing apparatuscontrols the screen brightness of the display unitto the standard brightness. On the other hand,illustrates a state where the face is not facing forward toward the information processing apparatus(for example, facing sideways), and it can be determined that the person is not looking at the screen of the display unit. Therefore, when the orientation of the face changes from the state illustrated into the state illustrated in, the information processing apparatusreduces the screen brightness of the display unitfrom the standard brightness to the low brightness. Further, when the orientation of the face changes from the state illustrated into the state illustrated in, the information processing apparatusrestores the screen brightness of the display unitfrom the low brightness to the standard brightness.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 3 FIG. 1 1 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 200 210 300 400 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments. In, components corresponding to respective units inare given the same reference numerals. The information processing apparatusis configured to include the display unit, the imaging unit, an external connection terminal, the power button, an input device, a communication unit, a storage unit, an EC (Embedded Controller), a face detection unit, a main processing unit, and a power supply unit.

110 300 The display unitdisplays display data (images) generated based on system processing executed by the main processing unit, processing of an application program(s) running on the system processing, and the like.

120 10 300 210 120 The imaging unitcaptures an image of an object within the predetermined imaging range (angle of view) in the direction (frontward) to face the inner surface of the first chassis, and outputs the captured image to the main processing unitand the face detection unit. For example, the imaging unitincludes a visible light camera (RGB camera) for capturing an image using visible light and an infrared camera (IR camera) for capturing an image using infrared light.

120 Note that the imaging unitmay be configured to include either one of the visible light camera and the infrared camera, or may be configured to include both of the visible light camera and the infrared camera.

130 130 The external connection terminalis a connection terminal for connecting to an external device. For example, the external connection terminalis an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, a USB Type-C terminal, or the like.

140 200 150 151 153 151 153 150 200 The power buttonoutputs, to the EC, an operation signal according to a user operation. The input deviceis an HID (input unit) that accepts user input, which is configured to include, for example, the keyboardand the touch pad. In response to accepting operations on the keyboardand the touch pad, the input deviceoutputs, to the EC, operation signals indicative of operation contents.

160 160 160 5 The communication unitis connected to other devices communicably through a wireless or wired communication network NW to transmit and receive various data. For example, the communication unitis configured to include a wired LAN interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN interface such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the like. As an example, the communication unitperforms data communication with the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW.

170 170 The storage unitis configured to include storage media, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unitstores an OS, device drivers, various programs such as applications, and various data acquired by the operation of the programs.

400 1 400 400 200 The power supply unitsupplies power to each unit according to the operating state of each unit of the information processing apparatus. The power supply unitincludes a DC(Direct Current)/DC converter. The DC/DC converter converts the voltage of DC power, supplied from an AC (Alternate Current)/DC adapter or a battery (battery pack), to a voltage required for each unit. The power with the voltage converted by the DC/DC converter is supplied to each unit through each power system. For example, the power supply unitsupplies power to each unit through each power system based on a control signal input from the EC.

200 200 200 300 300 300 200 140 150 400 The ECis a microcomputer configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an I/O (Input/Output) logic circuit, and the like. The CPU of the ECreads a control program (firmware) prestored in the own ROM, and executes the read control program to fulfill the functionality. The ECoperates independently of the main processing unitto control the operation of the main processing unitand manage the operating state of the main processing unit. Further, the ECis connected to the power button, the input device, the power supply unit, and the like.

200 400 400 400 1 200 140 150 300 300 For example, the ECcommunicates with the power supply unitto acquire information on a battery state (remaining battery capacity, and the like) from the power supply unitand to output, to the power supply unit, a control signal or the like in order to control the supply of power according to the operating state of each unit of the information processing apparatus. Further, the ECacquires operation signals from the power buttonand the input device, and outputs, to the main processing unit, an operation signal related to processing of the main processing unitamong the acquired operation signals.

210 120 210 120 304 210 The face detection unitis configured to include a processor to process image data of a captured image captured by the imaging unit. The face detection unitacquires the image data of the captured image captured by the imaging unit, and temporarily stores the acquired image data in a memory. The memory in which the image data is stored may be a system memory, or an unillustrated memory in the face detection unit.

210 120 For example, the face detection unitprocesses the image data of the captured image acquired from the imaging unitto perform face detection processing for detecting a face area (an area of a face image) and the orientation (angle) of the face from the captured image.

210 As the face detection method, any detection method using a face detection algorithm for detecting a face based on facial feature information, trained data (learned model) subjected to machine learning based on the facial feature information, a face detection library, or the like can be applied. Further, the face detection unitextracts the positions of facial landmarks such as the left eye, right eye, nose, mouth, chin, and the like of a face to detect the orientation (angle) of the face from the extracted positional relationship.

210 210 300 Further, the face detection unitoutputs the detection results by the HPD processing based on the detection results of the face area and face angle detected in the face detection processing. For example, the face detection unitoutputs, to the main processing unit, the detection results based on the presence or absence of a person and the orientation of a face.

300 301 302 303 304 The main processing unitis configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), a chipset, and the system memory, where processing of various application programs is executable on the OS (Operating System) by system processing based on the OS.

301 301 210 301 110 The CPUis a processor that executes processing based on a BIOS program, processing based on the OS program, processing based on application programs running on the OS, and the like. For example, the CPUexecutes processing to cause the system to return from the standby state to the normal operating state, processing to cause the system to make the transition from the normal operating state to the standby state, and the like. As an example, in the HPD processing based on the face detection results by the face detection unitdescribed above, the CPUexecutes processing for causing the system to make the transition to the standby state, processing for causing the system to return from the standby state, the screen brightness reduction processing for reducing the screen brightness of the display unit, and the like.

302 110 302 301 302 110 The GPUis connected to the display unit. The GPUexecutes image processing under the control of the CPUto generate display data. The GPUoutputs the generated display data to the display unit.

303 303 304 170 301 302 303 160 110 200 303 303 210 The chipsethas a function as a memory controller, a function as an I/O controller, and the like. For example, the chipsetcontrols reading data from and writing data to the system memory, the storage unit, and the like by the CPUand the GPU. Further, the chipsetcontrols input/output of data from the communication unit, the display unit, and the EC. Further, the chipsethas a function as a sensor hub. For example, the chipsetacquires the detection results by the face detection processing acquired from the face detection unit, and the like.

304 301 304 120 The system memoryis used as a reading area of a program executed by the CPUand a working area to write processed data. Further, the system memorytemporarily stores image data of a captured image captured by the imaging unit.

301 302 303 Note that the CPU, the GPU, and the chipsetmay be integrated as one processor, or some or each of them may be configured as an individual processor, respectively.

1 5 Next, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatusto execute processing using the AI model in response to a request from the cloud serverwill be described.

8 FIG. 1 1 510 210 301 303 200 510 511 512 513 514 515 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments. The information processing apparatusincludes a processing unitas a functional component implemented by a processor such as the face detection unit, the CPU, the chipset, or the ECexecuting programs. The processing unitincludes an HPD processing unit, a system processing unit, an AI processing unit, a wait flag setting unit, and an AI execution control unit.

511 210 511 511 The HPD processing unitdetects the presence or absence of a person based on the detection result by the face detection unit. For example, when a face area is detected from a captured image, the HPD processing unitdetermines that a person is present, and outputs information (Presence=true) indicating that a person is present. On the other hand, when no face area is detected from the captured image, the HPD processing unitoutputs information (Presence=false) indicative of the absence of a person.

511 1 210 1 511 1 1 511 1 Further, the HPD processing unitdetermines whether or not a face is facing forward toward the information processing apparatusbased on the detection result by the face detection unit, and outputs the determination result. For example, when determining that the face is facing forward toward the information processing apparatus, the HPD processing unitoutputs information (Attention=true) indicating that the face is paying attention to the information processing apparatus. On the other hand, when determining that the face is not facing forward toward the information processing apparatus, the HPD processing unitoutputs information (Attention=false) indicating that the face is not paying attention to the information processing apparatus.

512 301 512 The system processing unitis a functional component implemented by the CPUexecuting a system program and a program such as an application running on the system. For example, the system processing unitcontrols the operating state of the system such as system bootup, the transition to the standby state, shutdown, or the like.

512 511 511 512 511 512 As an example, the system processing unitcontrols the operating state of the system based on the detection result of the presence or absence of a person by the HPD processing unit. Specifically, for example, when acquiring information (Presence=true) indicative of the presence of a person from the HPD processing unitin the standby state, the system processing unitreturns the system from the standby state and makes the transition to the normal operating state (return from the standby state). Further, in the normal operating state, when acquiring information (Presence=false) indicative of the absence of a person from the HPD processing unit, the system processing unitcauses the system to make the transition to the standby state (for example, Screen off).

511 512 1 1 512 110 1 512 110 Further, when the presence of a person is determined by the HPD processing unit, the system processing unitexecutes the screen brightness reduction processing based on the determination result of whether or not the face is facing forward toward the information processing apparatus. For example, when acquiring information (Attention=false) indicating that the face is not paying attention to the information processing apparatus, the system processing unitreduces the screen brightness of the display unitfrom the standard brightness to the low brightness, and causes the system to make the transition to the standby state. Further, when acquiring information (Attention=true) indicating that the face is paying attention to the information processing apparatusafter that, the system processing unitrestores the screen brightness of the display unitfrom the low brightness to the standard brightness (return from the standby state).

513 513 5 The AI processing unitis equipped with an AI engine that executes processing using an AI model such as a large language model (LLM). The AI processing unitinputs, to the AI model, a request for a question to the AI model (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) received from the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW, and outputs the execution result (for example, “YY”).

512 514 5 5 1 When the system processing unitcauses the system to make the transition to the standby state, the wait flag setting unittransmits a flag indicative of being on standby to the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW. By receiving this flag, the cloud servercan determine which information processing apparatusis in the standby state.

5 511 514 Further, after transmitting the flag indicative of being on standby to the cloud server, when the presence of a person is detected by the HPD processing unit, the wait flag setting unitresets the flag indicative of being on standby.

512 514 5 511 514 5 5 1 Specifically, for example, in a case where the flag indicative of being on standby is “1,” and a flag indicative of not being on standby is “0,” when the system processing unitcauses the system to make the transition to the standby state, the wait flag setting unittransmits the flag “1” indicative of being on standby to the cloud server. After that, when the presence of a person is detected by the HPD processing unit, the wait flag setting unitresets the flag by transmitting the flag “0” to the cloud server. The cloud servercan determine which information processing apparatusis in the standby state depending on whether this flag is “1” or “0.”

514 5 5 515 513 513 515 5 In response to transmitting the flag “1” indicative of being on standby from the wait flag setting unitto the cloud server, when acquiring a request for a question (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) (an execution request for AI processing) to the AI from the cloud server, the AI execution control unitcauses the AI processing unitto start the execution of processing using the AI model. When the AI processing by the AI processing unitis completed, the AI execution control unittransmits the completed execution result (for example, “YY”) to the cloud server.

511 513 515 5 Further, when the presence of a person is detected by the HPD processing unitwhile executing the AI processing by the AI processing unit, the AI execution control unitstops the execution, and transmits, to the cloud server, the execution result obtained before the stop and incomplete information indicating that the AI processing is incomplete.

9 FIG. 510 1 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control by the processing unitaccording to one or more embodiments. In this figure, relationships among the HPD processing, the state of the system (OS), and the ready-for-use state of the information processing apparatus(AI host) are illustrated on a timeline by plotting time (t) on the horizontal axis.

0 511 512 110 At time t, in a state where the HPD processing unitis outputting “Presence=true” and “Attention=true,” that is, in a state where a person is present and facing forward (HPD=True), the system processing unitis turning on the screen of the display unit(Screen ON).

1 511 2 512 110 At time t, it is assumed that the HPD processing unitoutputs “Presence=true” and “Attention=false,” or “Presence=false” and “Attention=false,” that is, that a person is present but not facing forward (HPD=No attention) or no person is present (HPD=No presence). In this case, at time tafter a certain period of time has elapsed in that state, the system processing unitreduces the screen brightness of the display unitto the low brightness (Screen Dimming).

511 512 110 3 Further, when the HPD processing unitcontinues to output “Presence=true” and “Attention=false” or “Presence =false” and “Attention=false,” the system processing unitturns off the screen of the display unit(Screen OFF) at time t.

4 511 512 110 At time t, when the HPD processing unitoutputs “Presence=true” and “Attention=true,” that is, when a person is present and facing forward (HPD=True), the system processing unitturns on the screen of the display unit(Screen ON).

1 2 4 1 2 1 5 4 In this case, since the information processing apparatusis in the standby state during a period from time tto time t, this period is a period during which the AI engine of the information processing apparatus(AI host) is ready for use. When making the transition to the standby state at time t, the information processing apparatustransmits the flag indicative of being on standby to the cloud server, and resets the flag when returning from the standby state at time t.

510 1 5 Next, the operation of AI host processing in which the processing unitof the information processing apparatusexecutes AI processing in response to a request from the cloud serverwill be described.

10 FIG. 1 201 510 201 510 201 201 510 203 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether the detection result of the HPD processing is “Presence=false” or “Attention=false.” When determining that the detection result is “Presence=True” and “Attention=true” (step S: NO), the processing unitperforms the process in step Sagain. On the other hand, when determining that the detection result is “Presence=false” or “Attention=false” (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S. 203 510 110 110 203 510 207 110 203 510 205 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether or not the screen brightness of the display unitis reduced to the low brightness (Dimming). When determining that the screen brightness of the display unitis reduced (Dimming) (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S. On the other hand, when determining that the screen brightness of the display unitis not reduced (not Dimming) (step S: NO), the processing unitproceeds to step S. 205 510 110 110 205 510 201 110 205 510 207 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether or not the screen of the display unitis turned off (Screen off). When determining that the screen of the display unitis not turned off (No Screen off) (step S: NO), the processing unitreturns to step S. On the other hand, when determining that the screen of the display unitis turned off (Screen off) (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S. 207 510 5 510 209 (Step S) The processing unittransmits the flag indicative of being on standby to the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW. Then, the processing unitproceeds to step S. 209 510 5 209 510 211 5 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether or not a request for a question (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) to the AI is acquired from the cloud server. When determining that the request is not acquired (step S: NO), the processing unitproceeds to step Sto wait for the request from the cloud server. 211 510 211 510 225 211 510 209 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether or not the detection result of the HPD processing is “Presence=True.” When determining that the detection result is “Presence=True” (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S. On the other hand, when determining that the detection result is not “Presence=True” (step S: NO), the processing unitreturns to step S. is a flowchart illustrating an example of host processing in the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments.

209 209 510 213 213 510 5 510 215 (Step S) The processing unitinputs, to the AI model, the request for the question to the AI model (for example, “Who is XXX CEO?”) received from the cloud serverto start executing AI processing. Then, the processing unitproceeds to step S. 215 510 215 510 217 215 510 219 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether or not the AI processing is completed. When determining that the AI processing is completed (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S. On the other hand, when determining that the AI processing is not completed (step S: NO), the processing unitproceeds to step S. 217 510 5 510 209 (Step S) When the AI processing is completed, the processing unittransmits the completed execution result (for example, “YY”) to the cloud server. Then, the processing unitreturns to step Sto wait for a next request. 219 510 219 510 213 219 510 221 (Step S) The processing unitdetermines whether or not the detection result of the HPD processing is “Presence=True.” When determining that the detection result is not “Presence=True” (step S: NO), the processing unitreturns to step Sto continue the AI processing. On the other hand, when determining that the detection result of the HPD processing is “Presence=True” (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S. 221 510 223 (Step S) The processing unitstops the execution of the AI processing, and proceeds to step S. 223 510 5 510 225 (Step S) The processing unittransmits, to the cloud server, the execution result obtained before the stop and incomplete information indicating that the AI processing is incomplete. Then, the processing unitproceeds to step S. 225 510 510 227 (Step S) The processing unitresets the flag indicative of being on standby. Then, the processing unitproceeds to step S. 227 510 510 201 (Step S) The processing unitreturns from the standby state to make the transition to the normal operating state. Then, the processing unitreturns to step S. When determining in step Sthat the request is acquired (step S: YES), the processing unitproceeds to step S.

1 160 5 304 304 120 301 303 300 200 510 210 301 303 200 160 5 5 510 120 510 160 5 As described above, the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments includes: the communication unitthat performs data communication with the cloud server(an example of a server) through the communication network NW; the system memory(an example of a memory) that temporarily stores a program of a system; a processor that executes processing of the system based on the program stored in the system memory; and the imaging unit(an example of a detection sensor) for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the detection range FoV (an example of a predetermined detection range). Here, the processor is the CPU, the chipsetincluded in the main processing unit, the EC, or the like. When the system becomes the standby state, the processing unitas a functional component implemented by the processor such as the face detection unit, the CPU, the chipset, or the ECexecuting a program(s) transmits the flag indicative of being on standby from the communication unitto the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW. Further, when acquiring a request (execution request) for AI processing (an example of specific processing) from the cloud serverin response to transmitting the flag, the processing unitstarts executing the AI processing. Further, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit(Presence=true) while executing the AI processing, the processing unitstops the execution, and transmits the execution result obtained before the stop and incomplete information indicating that the AI processing is incomplete from the communication unitto the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW.

1 5 1 1 1 1 Thus, since the information processing apparatuscan perform processing as a host in the case of the standby state in response to the request from the cloud server, and detect that a user has come back before the user touches the information processing apparatusto stop the processing, the information processing apparatuscan prevent processing from slowing down due to insufficient resources when the user uses the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the information processing apparatuscan reduce the impact on performance when locally executing heavy-load processing.

120 510 Further, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unitwhile not executing AI processing, the processing unitresets the flag.

1 1 5 5 5 1 1 1 Thus, when the user is using the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatuscan notify the cloud serverthat processing cannot be performed as a host in response to a request from the cloud server. Therefore, the cloud servercan make a request for the execution of processing to an information processing apparatusexcept for information processing apparatusesin use from among the plural information processing apparatuses.

120 510 Further, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unitwhile executing the AI processing, the processing unitcauses the system to return from the standby state after stopping the execution, and resets the flag.

1 5 1 1 1 1 1 Thus, since the information processing apparatusperforms processing in the case of the standby state in response to a request from the cloud server, and when the user comes back, the information processing apparatusreturns to a state in which the user can use the information processing apparatusafter stopping the processing, the information processing apparatuscan prevent processing from slowing down due to insufficient resources when the user uses the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the information processing apparatuscan reduce the impact on performance when locally executing heavy-load processing.

1 110 510 110 510 110 Further, the information processing apparatusincludes the display unitthat performs display based on the system processing. For example, when causing the system to make the transition to the standby state, the processing unitturns off the screen of the display unit(Screen OFF), while when causing the system to return from the standby state, the processing unitturns on the screen of the display unit(Screen ON).

1 5 1 1 1 1 1 Thus, since the information processing apparatusperforms processing as a host in response to a request from the cloud serverin the case of Screen OFF (that is, when the user is not using the information processing apparatus), and when the user comes back, the information processing apparatusturns on the screen to return to a state in which the user can use the information processing apparatusafter stopping the processing, the information processing apparatuscan prevent processing from slowing down due to insufficient resources when the user uses the information processing apparatus.

120 510 510 5 510 Further, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit, the processing unitfurther determines whether or not a face of the person is facing forward (an example of a specific direction). For example, when determining that the face of the person present in the detection range FoV is not facing forward, the processing unittransmits the flag to the cloud serverafter causing the system to make the transition to the standby state (for example, after reducing the screen brightness). Further, when determining that the face of the person present in the detection range FoV is turned to the front while executing the AI processing, the processing unitreturns the system from the standby state after stopping the execution.

1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 Thus, since the information processing apparatusperforms processing as a host in response to a request from the cloud serverwhen the user is not facing forward (that is, when the user is not using the information processing apparatus), and when the user uses the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatusreturns to a state in which the user can use the information processing apparatusafter stopping the processing, the information processing apparatuscan prevent processing from slowing down due to insufficient resources when the user uses the information processing apparatus.

1 110 1 510 110 510 110 Further, the information processing apparatusincludes the display unitthat performs display based on the system processing. Further, the front (the example of the specific direction) mentioned above is a direction toward the information processing apparatus. When causing the system to make the transition to the standby state, the processing unitreduces the screen brightness of the display unit, while when returning the system from the standby state, the processing unitrestores the screen brightness of the display unitto the original screen brightness before being reduced.

1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 Thus, since the information processing apparatusperforms processing as a host in response to a request from the cloud serverwhen the screen brightness is reduced because the user is not facing forward (that is, when the user is not using the information processing apparatus), and when the user uses the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatusreturns to a state in which the user can use the information processing apparatusafter stopping the processing, the information processing apparatuscan prevent processing from slowing down due to insufficient resources when the user uses the information processing apparatus.

1 5 Further, the AI processing (the example of the specific processing) is relatively heavy-load processing, which is processing executable on the plural information processing apparatuseswhile taking over halfway processing in response to a request (execution request) from the cloud server.

5 1 1 1 5 Thus, when executing heavy-load processing (for example, AI processing) in response to a request from the cloud server, the information processing apparatusperforms processing only during a period of the standby state, and interrupts the processing before returning from the standby state so that another information processing apparatusin the standby state can take over the processing. Therefore, even in the case of heavy-load processing (for example, AI processing), since the processing can be executed on plural local information processing apparatuseswhile taking over the processing without using processing (for example, a cloud AI service) of the cloud server, the heavy-load processing (for example, AI processing) can be executed at a low cost.

1 510 210 301 303 200 160 5 5 510 120 510 510 160 5 Further, a control method for the information processing apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments includes: a step in which, when the system becomes the standby state, the processing unit, as a functional component implemented by a processor such as the face detection unit, the CPU, the chipset, or the ECexecuting a program(s), transmits the flag indicative of being on standby from the communication unitto the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW; a step in which, when acquiring a request (execution request) for AI processing (the example of the specific processing) from the cloud serverin response to transmitting the flag, the processing unitstarts executing the AI processing; a step in which, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit(Presence=true) while executing the AI processing, the processing unitstops the execution; and a step of causing the processing unitto transmit an execution result before the stop and incomplete information indicating that the AI processing is incomplete from the communication unitto the cloud serverthrough the communication network NW.

1 1 5 1 1 1 Thus, since the control method for the information processing apparatuscan perform processing on the information processing apparatusas a host in the case of the standby state in response to a request from the cloud server, and detect that the user has come back before the user touches the information processing apparatusto stop the processing, the control method can prevent processing from slowing down due to insufficient resources when the user uses the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the control method for the information processing apparatuscan reduce the impact on performance when locally executing heavy-load processing.

1 5 Further, according to one or more embodiments, since a response when AI processing is executed on the information processing apparatuscan be recorded as a log in the cloud server, it can be used to improve the AI model.

1 1 1 Further, according to one or more embodiments, since information processing apparatusesthat are not used, for example, within an organization (within a company) can be used effectively to execute heavy-load processing (for example, AI processing), when the organization (the company) has offices in countries, the information processing apparatusesat the offices in countries can be used by taking advantage of the time difference between countries. For example, during working hours in Japan, an information processing apparatusor the like unused in the United States of America can be selected and used effectively to execute processing.

While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to those described above, and design changes and the like are included without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, the respective components described in the above embodiment can be combined arbitrarily.

120 120 1 Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the example of using the imaging unitas the detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person is given, but a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor may also be used instead of the imaging unit. Further, an ultrasonic sensor may be used as the detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person. For example, as the ultrasonic sensor, unillustrated speaker and microphone included in the information processing apparatusmay be used.

301 303 301 302 300 Further, the CPUand the chipsetmay be configured as individual processors, or may be integrated as one processor. Further, the CPUand the GPUmay be configured as individual processors, or may be integrated as one processor. Further, each unit included in the main processing unitmay be configured as one single chip such as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip).

210 301 303 210 303 301 303 301 303 210 210 200 512 200 Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the example in which the face detection unitis provided separately from the CPUand the chipsetis given, but some or all of the functions of the face detection unitmay be provided in the chipset, or may be provided in a processor integrated with the CPUor the chipset. For example, the CPU, the chipset, and the face detection unitmay be configured as individual processors, or may be integrated as one processor. Further, some or all of the functions of the face detection unitmay be provided in the EC. Further, some functions of the system processing unitmay be provided in the EC.

1 1 1 Note that the information processing apparatusdescribed above has a computer system therein. Then, a program for implementing the function of each component included in the information processing apparatusdescribed above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium so that the program recorded on this recording medium is read into the computer system and executed to perform processing in each component included in the information processing apparatusdescribed above. Here, the fact that “the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed” includes installing the program on the computer system. It is assumed that the “computer system” here includes the OS and hardware such as peripheral devices and the like. Further, the “computer system” may also include two or more computers connected through networks including the Internet, WAN, LAN, and a communication line such as a dedicated line. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” means a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash ROM, or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. Thus, the recording medium with the program stored thereon may be a non-transitory recording medium such as the CD-ROM.

1 Further, a recording medium internally or externally provided to be accessible from a delivery server for delivering the program is included as the recording medium. Note that the program may be split into plural pieces, downloaded at different timings, respectively, and then united in each component included in the information processing apparatus, or delivery servers for delivering respective split pieces of the program may be different from one another. Further, it is assumed that the “computer-readable recording medium” includes a medium on which the program is held for a given length of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system as a server or a client when the program is transmitted through a network. The above-mentioned program may also be to implement some of the functions described above. Further, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) capable of implementing the above-described functions in combination with a program(s) already recorded in the computer system.

1 Further, some or all of the functions provided by the information processing apparatusin one or more embodiments described above may be realized as an integrated circuit such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be implemented by a processor individually, or some or all of the functions may be integrated as a processor. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and it may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, if integrated circuit technology replacing the LSI appears with the progress of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit according to the technology may be used.

1 Further, the information processing apparatusof the aforementioned embodiment is not limited to the laptop PC, which may also be a desktop PC or the like, for example.

1 information processing apparatus 5 cloud server 10 first chassis 20 second chassis 15 hinge mechanism 110 display unit (internal display) 120 imaging unit 130 external connection terminal 140 power button 150 input device 151 keyboard 153 touch pad 160 communication unit 170 storage unit 200 EC 210 face detection unit 300 main processing unit 301 CPU 302 GPU 303 chipset 304 system memory 400 power supply unit 510 processing unit 511 HPD processing unit 512 system processing unit 513 AI processing unit 514 wait flag setting unit 515 AI execution control unit